WALES wing Mark Jones believes the Scarlets will benefit from the region resting namesake Stephen for the Christmas defeat against the Ospreys.

Jones, along with captain Simon Easterby and Wales hooker Matthew Rees, were left out of the Scarlets side defeated 20-6 at the Liberty Stadium with an eye on the New Year’s Day derby against the Dragons.

“Stephen needed to be rested,” said Jones.

“I know there were a few eyebrows raised when the decision was announced, but he has to have a rest some time.

“We have the Dragons coming up and that’s a massive home game for us.

“There are not a lot of opportunities to rest boys with the Six Nations coming around as well and Stephen’s looking to be involved in that.

“Of course, Stephen will be missed when he’s left out – he is a quality player. But hopefully we’ll get more out of him in his next game because he’ll be feeling more rested.”

And Jones praised the performance of understudy Rhys Priestland and his half-back partner Martin Roberts against the Ospreys.

“Rhys did very well,” added Jones. “He was outstanding at fly-half, in what is a very difficult position.

“I thought the young players were tremendous.

“Jonny Edwards has had very little rugby at this level this year but worked tirelessly. Martin is getting better each week and was probably up there as good as any player on the pitch.”

Now the Scarlets host the Dragons at Parc y Scarlets on Thursday and victory over the Gwent region would result in two victories in three Welsh derbies over the festive period.

“I think a win over the Dragons would represent a successful Christmas and New Year period,” said Jones.

“Two wins out of three and we would be reasonably happy.

“We are going to come up against a very spirited Dragons team who will be buoyed by their performances over this period especially. Although they haven’t won all their games in Europe, they have been performing particularly well.

“But we looked strong in certain aspects of our game against the Ospreys and looked like a team that’s progressing. It bodes well for a good game.”

Both Stephen Jones, regional captain Easterby and prop Iestyn Thomas are expected to return on New Year’s Day, but Vernon Cooper, stand-in skipper against the Ospreys, is expected to miss the next couple of weeks after limping off at the Liberty Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Dragons are expected to sign former wing Aled Brew on loan until the end of the season from the Blues.